Ditching Steam version for Auran

T

TaggartTC

New Trainz Junkie
I purchased a downloadable version of Trainz 2010 from Amazon.com, and despite being listed as coming from N3V, I've since learned that what I actually got was a third-party version from Valve/Steam (Build 43361). It has also become apparent that a patch from Build 43361 to any current version is not likely to ever happen.

So I'm hoping to plead my case with Amazon and maybe get some money back...I know, good luck!

Anyway, having learned a valuable lesson about third party software (and Amazon.com!), I'm looking to purchase a version directly from Auran. My real question is, what issues should I watch out for when it comes to reinstalling the software with the new version?

1) Do I need to worry about protecting my current assets somehow before re-installing? I've downloaded and spent tons of time fixing dozens of assets from the DLS, and I would hate to find out that I would have to start all over again from scratch! I'm hoping the new installation will overwrite the necessary game files and leave the user data untouched.

2) Theoretically, I'll have a new serial number...how will that affect how I'm registered with things like the DLS and the forum? New user name and password?

Any other concerns you guys can think of? Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
I agree - did you get my reply PM ok?

The best option when buying direct is (in my opinion) to get it in DVD form. The Direct Download option is OK if you remember to download all the files mentioned into the same folder.

According to various threads, the content is usually stored in the UserData folder (and if there is one, the Local folder)

You should be able to register more than 1 version of TS2010 under the same username/password - that's what I've ended up having to do.

As AnthonyGlamour said though, there are frequent problems with the Download station and potentially the Direct Download service (also the patching servers)

Shane
 
Probably the most failsafe way is to set the search filter in Content Mangler;

Location:Local
Built in:False
Faulty:False
Faulty Dependencies:False
Missing Dependencies:False

The CTRL A to select all, right click and select Sve to CDP. Depending on what you have that could take a while, and would also take a while to import the megamongo.cdp into the new version, but it's probably the best way to make sure you have a backup of all your non default stuff.
 
I would save the folder "Userdata" to a safe place before re-installing 2010, I personally do that on a regular basis. There are 2 folders that store your downloaded content in that one folder. One folder "original" has unchanged/unaltered content and the other "local" has content you have changed/corrected. The other folders in "userdata" could be helpful as well.

Craig
:):):)
 
shaneturner12 said:
I agree - did you get my reply PM ok?

The best option when buying direct is (in my opinion) to get it in DVD form. The Direct Download option is OK if you remember to download all the files mentioned into the same folder.
Click to expand...

Thanks, yes, I got it!

We'll see what happens...it'll probably depend what kind of response I get from Amazon. I'm not anxious to shell out another $50 to replace the game, unless I get some sort of refund from Amazon. For now the version I have works fine, though I often notice the "save hang" that the new patch claims to fix.

sniper297 said:
Probably the most failsafe way is to set the search filter in Content Mangler;

Location:Local
Built in:False
Faulty:False
Faulty Dependencies:False
Missing Dependencies:False

The CTRL A to select all, right click and select Sve to CDP. Depending on what you have that could take a while, and would also take a while to import the megamongo.cdp into the new version, but it's probably the best way to make sure you have a backup of all your non default stuff.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sniper, I hadn't thought of that method...I think I'll try that for backup purposes even if I don't end up reinstalling.
 
Wait...does that mean, that the steam version of Trainz 2010 is outdated? Do Auran update the DVD version of Trainz more than the Steam version? And what improvements does the DVD version have compared to the Steam one?

If so, when I buy the DVD version of Trainz, do I have to re-buy the Settle & Carlisle Pack which I got from Steam as well, too?

Pretty confused right now...
 
@ TaggartTC
Are you sure you have the steam one? Does it have the Steam Client running? Did it install Steam when you installed? if it didn't and there is no Steam Client running it is not the Steam version.
 
Last edited:
clam1952 said:
@ TaggartTC
Are you sure you have the steam one? Does it have the Steam Client running? Did it install Steam when you installed? if it didn't and there is no Steam Client running it is not the Steam version.
Click to expand...

Clam1952 -

I saw your post on the other thread as well...and no, I'm not certain that I have a Steam version now. I definitely don't have a Steam Client installed or running. I am only going on what others have told me, and my concern that two new builds have been issued (43434 and 44088) since my build 43361 - I've grown concerned that this build is getting left out in the cold for some reason. I'll try contacting the help desk or Zec to see if I can get a definitive answer.

Is it common for Auran to "stagger" the distribution of patches for various builds?

Thanks!
 
TaggartTC said:
Clam1952 -

I saw your post on the other thread as well...and no, I'm not certain that I have a Steam version now. I definitely don't have a Steam Client installed or running. I am only going on what others have told me, and my concern that two new builds have been issued (43434 and 44088) since my build 43361 - I've grown concerned that this build is getting left out in the cold for some reason. I'll try contacting the help desk or Zec to see if I can get a definitive answer.

Is it common for Auran to "stagger" the distribution of patches for various builds?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Defiantly not the Steam one then, quite possible it has the same version number though however.......
It does seem to be that builds supplied to other distributors have different version numbers to the ones bought direct from Auran, it also seems from comments on here in the past that sometimes third party supplied ones are up to date even with an older version number than current and may not actually need patching. Think as you said you need a definitive answer from Zec.
Newer version numbers so I have discovered with various software over the years don't always mean more up to date, which is what most people would logically expect.
Actually a good clue as to how old it may be is the file dates on your install.
 
A lot of people on the forums are saying that that build is the Steam version, even if it is not from Steam.

I think that it's a common issue with downloadable versions from third-party suppliers.

It appears though (this is from elsewhere in the forums), that it is still at least 75% of SP3, and people have been able to use the Blue Comet on that build.

Shane
 
OK, I bought the DVD version of the game, one final question remains. If I want to install the SnC pack, do I just have to copy the .ja file into the folder or do I have to copy some other files for the scenarios as well?

Thanks!
 
Eraser74 said:
OK, I bought the DVD version of the game, one final question remains. If I want to install the SnC pack, do I just have to copy the .ja file into the folder or do I have to copy some other files for the scenarios as well?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Assuming you installed it correctly (ie, as administrator on Vista/7), and assuming we're talking about the 2009 version of SnC, it should be able to detect 2010 just fine, and offer a 'install as an add-on' option. The primary reason this fails is usually that people don't install TS2010 as administrator, and so a variety of system-wide settings don't get done properly (it's also the main reason why CMP isn't associated with .cdp files, or the web browser not knowing about 'trainz://' links on the DLS)
 
No, I bought the SnC route over steam, so I copied the snc.ja file to another directory and thats it.

I don´t have a cd with the SnC on it.

Isn´t it possible to download the SnC through Auran, as I have the serial number?
 
Last edited:
You may need to install your SnC data, making sure you install as an addon.

As I do not normally deal with downloadable software, I cannot advise on exactly how to do it, but someone else who has the downloadable version can.

Also, make sure you are running TS2010 as admin, and that you have entered the serial number for your SnC into the Trainz options box.

Shane
 
I managed to insert it finally. Phew...thought for a moment I had to buy the SnC pack again as well. :cool:

Thanks for your help!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

F
How best to archive
Replies
3
Views
196
stagecoach
S
R
So I did some analysis of the build version of all the assets I have...
2 3
Replies
48
Views
1K
ek.skirl
E
A
legalitas trainz simulator android (2011)
Replies
0
Views
284
aryapram2_
A
D
Are assets overwritten when downloaded twice?
Replies
4
Views
329
DDedicos
D
N
Missing dependencies from my UMR2022 personal session.
Replies
8
Views
315
neilsmith749
N
Back
Top